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Waymo Takes a Giant Leap with $220 Million Acquisition of Apple’s Expansive Test Facility in Arizona
In a significant move to bolster its autonomous vehicle capabilities, Waymo has acquired a sprawling 5,500-acre proving ground in Arizona, previously owned by a Delaware company linked to Apple. Recent filings in Maricopa County confirm the acquisition, which took place for a price tag of $220 million and was officially recorded on June 5. Waymo has verified the purchase to TechCrunch.
This expansive new site enhances Waymo’s already impressive network of closed testing facilities. Alongside its established Castle Proving Ground in California and the Transportation Research Center in Ohio, the Arizona location stands out for its size and versatility.
The Arizona proving ground is equipped with a diverse array of facilities, including a dedicated 115-acre city course, a 35-acre area for vehicle dynamics, a four-mile oval track, and a specialized freeway for autonomous vehicle trials. A Waymo representative emphasized that this facility will serve as a controlled environment to simulate various driving scenarios, allowing for continuous refinement of their self-driving technology. The testing operations will cover a range of activities including rider-only trials, motion control evaluations, and operational training workflows, with plans for future expansion.
Apple first acquired the property in 2021 for $125 million after utilizing the facility for testing prototypes as part of its ambitious but ultimately shelved car project, known as Project Titan. Previously utilized by Fiat Chrysler, this site has a rich history of facilitating automotive testing, featuring varied road conditions and hot-weather simulations that were crucial in refining vehicle components.
First reported by the Phoenix Business Journal, this acquisition comes as Waymo is in the midst of a robust fleet expansion, boasting nearly 4,000 vehicles. The company has recently launched trials of its latest van model manufactured by Zeekr and aims to produce tens of thousands of robotaxis annually—comprising both the Zeekr van and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
As part of this initiative, Zeekr vehicles are dispatched to Waymo’s Arizona facility for enhancements, including the integration of Waymo’s cutting-edge self-driving technology. Waymo’s operations have expanded significantly since it began testing in the Phoenix area in 2017, and the region remains a pivotal hub for its commercial robotaxi services.
Waymo has since broadened its reach, now active in over 10 U.S. cities, including iconic locations such as Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Austin, and Atlanta. The acquisition of the Arizona proving ground bodes well for Waymo’s aspirations to solidify its position at the forefront of autonomous vehicle innovation.
